Zimm, there is a thread here about Fantasy Chili Parlors. Lots of great ideas there.

In fact, I would suggest reading the entire chili section here. And, be sure to fallow all the links posted there. It may take a few weeks but you will be very knowledgeable about chili after you have done this.

Oh, and Zimm... tell us about your restaurant experience. Joe

Edit; You may already be very knowledgeable about chili but there is always more to learn. :~)

We havent any good chili places here!!! Im gonna open a chili joint!!!!!!!!

I'd recommend a trip to Alexandria, VA (from Reagan National take the Metro to King Street Station) and visit one of the first two locations of Hard Times Cafe.

That smallish location is your model, keep it simple menu-wise. They became a raging success by starting with three varieties of chili: Texas, Cincinnati, and a fiery peanut-based vegetarian; fries, pasta (for the Cincinnati), beer, iced tea, and Coke. As a result their COGS was extremely low and they were an almost immediate financial success.

Only much later did they get into burgers, wings, pool halls, etc. There were some bumps and "Hard Times" along that road that you cannot afford at inception.

We havent any good chili places here!!! Im gonna open a chili joint!!!!!!!!

I'd recommend a trip to Alexandria, VA (from Reagan National take the Metro to King Street Station) and visit one of the first two locations of Hard Times Cafe.

That smallish location is your model, keep it simple menu-wise. They became a raging success by starting with three varieties of chili: Texas, Cincinnati, and a fiery peanut-based vegetarian; fries, pasta (for the Cincinnati), beer, iced tea, and Coke. As a result their COGS was extremely low and they were an almost immediate financial success.

Only much later did they get into burgers, wings, pool halls, etc. There were some bumps and "Hard Times" along that road that you cannot afford at inception.